‘Rescuing Da Vinci’

By Ann Nichols, Chattanooga Times/Free Press, Tenn.

Sep. 16–The mention of World War II conjures up images of suffering and destruction brought about by Adolph Hitler and the Nazis.

Historians have speculated that had Hitler not been rejected by the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, Austria, the Holocaust might not have taken place.

When he rose to power as head of the Third Reich, one aspect of Hitler’s megalomania manifested in the looting and/or destruction of one-fifth of all known paintings, sculpture and cultural monuments and icons throughout Europe, historians note.

Though many items were destroyed or have never been recovered, thousands were preserved.

Robert Edsel, former oil executive, author and art collector from Dallas, asked himself how this happened as he stood on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy.

“Who were these people who risked their lives to move and hide such important cultural treasures,” he said. “I was amazed that this aspect of World War II had not been told.”

So, Mr. Edsel decided to tell this story in a book, “Rescuing Da Vinci,” published last year.

On Wednesday, Mr. Edsel will be at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Fine Arts Center for a reception at 6 p.m., followed by a lecture and PowerPoint presentation in the Roland Hayes Auditorium at 7 p.m. After the lecture, he will sign copies of his book in the lobby. Admission is free.

E-mail Ann Nichols at annsnichols@aol.com.

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